JAFC V Carrigaline – 12/5

Shamrocks avoided elimation from the competition at an early date with a fully comprehensive win over Carrigalines second team in a match played in Camden in Crosshaven on Sunday morning.

If Shamrocks lost they were out because they played a Preliminary game earlier on. This was Carrigalines first outing, in the 1st Round proper so they survive to fight another day. However, Shamrocks wont care and this win opens up a window that may last until July, depending on results.

The game was dominated throughout by the fierce crosswind that blew right across the pitch and made football difficult, in particular at the start as the teams tried to adapt to the tough conditions. Shamrocks were first to score as Cannice Caffrey rifled over a point from play from a 20 yard angle out that was akin to a player shooting from way out the wing in normal circumstances, so bad was the wind.

However, Carrigaline struck for 2 quick goals, from long balls in and opened up a 2-0 to 0-2 point lead on 10 minutes. Even this early on, it seemed that Shamrocks were the better team and never panicked, always busy on the ball and threathening danger in attack. They scored a few points, again mostly from play, to come right back into it and lead 0-7 to 2-0, after 20 minutes. Their forward line was getting nice ball, direct and largely clever and with purpose. And they added 2 goals in the last 10 minutes of half time, first from Philip Brady (MOM) and secondly from Brian Sweeney who was excellent all through. Shamrocks now had a 2-7 to 2-1 lead and turned to face the hill in confident mood.

Carrig started well in the second half and added a few points to bring the gap back to 4, eventhough Shamrocks never really looked in danger at any second half point. They proceeded to kick some wonderful points, 5 in a row all from play, to open up a 9 point gap. They really were all excellent scores from Philip Brady, Brian Sweeney, Cannice Caffrey, Darragh O’Sullivan and sub Stephen O’Neill who was prominent when introduced. Philip Bradys scores were a thing of beauty and every single time he got the ball, he had the Carrigaline defence ringing the alarm bells.

Shamrocks were 10 points up, 2-13 to 2-3 with 10 left. Carrigaline did make a valiant effort in the last 7 minutes with 1-2 but it was all over at that stage.

Shamrocks will be happy with the rebound after the disappointmet against Tracton. 2-14, of which 2-11 was from play was impressive enough. When the forwards get good ball, they will trouble any defence with their skill and alertness. The whole side played their part today, including the defence with their ability to deal with the ariel ability of Carrigaline. With a few regulars to come back into the side like Michael Prout, Joseph Shanahan (just back from his travels) and Barry Mulqueen, not to mention Dave Hayes (both returned from Oz and was outstanding), the greens can look forward with confidence going forward. Shamrocks now have a break until the end of June/early July, depending on other results elsewhere.